Getting Acquainted with Termites

Termites are also known as the “silent destroyer” because they secretly conceal and thrive in your home or yard with no immediate signs of damage. Termites eat cellulose based plant materials. Homes, regardless of their constructional type, can provide this cellulose food for infestation of termites. Termites are detritus feeders or detritivores. They feed themselves with dead Minnesota trees and plants, and also with living trees with dead parts which include wood and wood left lying on the soil for a long time. The mouth of a termite has the capacity to tear off pieces of woody materials. This ability of termites is the major concern of human dwelling: because while termites—which length only measures just about a few millimeters to 1 centimeter—feeding habit can cause costly damage to properties. Furniture, shelves, books and especially house foundations are among the potential and favorite feeding places of termites. Classes of TermitesThe classes of termites are as follows:

Workers. Worker termites have bead-like antennae, creamy white in color, approximately 1/8” long and wingless.

Soldiers. Soldiers are blind, wingless, have defensive mandibles and amber heads. They are the defender of their colony, protecting it from any kind of invasions.

Reproductives. Reproductives are said to be the kings and queens of a termite colony. They have a large body size and they are the producers of new offspring.

Swarmers. This category of termites are straight-sided, approximately three-eighth long with silver-colored wings. They emerge from their colony to go out and make new colonies.

Termites can be unnoticed for a long period of time. That is why it is very important that you are familiar with their nature and ability to be able to identify early signs of termite infection so that all necessary measures can immediately be done to get rid of these pests and before their destruction can even advance.Termite PreventionTermite can be exceptionally destructive in Minnesota. They can destroy a lot of your property. However, if you want to get rid of them, there are effective ways to get rid of these loathsome pests. You should first determine what species of termite is invading at your home to be able to make the necessary preventive measure to eliminate them. There are four common species of termites and these are the dampwood, drywood, formosan and subterranean termites.

Dampwood termites. As the name suggests, dampwood termites are prominent to hide and survive in moist places. So to get rid of this kind of termite, you should solve the problem of places in your house that has water leaks, plumbing problems and rainwater damage.

Drywood termites. These termites can easily be prevented if you repair any crevices or cracks outside your house and you don’t keep scrap wood and or firewood nearby your house.

Formosan termites. Similar to dampwood termites, formosan termites also likes to stay on moist areas which only means that if you want to prevent this kind of termite from invading your home properties, be cautious of damp areas around your house.

Subterranean termites. This kind of termite can be prevented just like most termites. Be aware of wood scraps kept lying on the soil nearby your house and of moist structures where they invade and damage.

These preventive measures can be done to prevent the invasion and possible destruction that termites can do your home properties. However, if it is too late and these loathsome pests have already made a great damage to your home, your option now is to call for the help of a Minnesota exterminator.